Hey. This chapter took a while to get up because I started the sequel last night, and then a completely different story, but I managed to squeeze in time for this one too. Can you guys please start giving me some reviews? I'd really appreciate it! Thanks, and enjoy the chapter.

Too Perfect

The months flew by faster than they could possibly imagine. March turned into April and April turned into May. The days soared and nobody knew exactly how to handle it. It was the beginning of June at dinner when Dumbledore made an announcement.

"Well, the year certainly has flown by. Graduation shall be on the 18th and then all of you seventh years will go on to pursue goals and careers. For graduation, the Head Boy and Head Girl make a brief speech together. At least one prefect from each house must make a speech also. I am now going to announce the chosen prefect to make the speech from each house. From Slytherin, Gretchen Griffith. From Ravenclaw, Cole Tate. From Hufflepuff, Troy Yates. And from Gryffindor, Ashley Benedettis. Have your speeches ready by graduation."

"A speech? I have to give a speech?" Ashley asked nervously.

"Don't worry. You'll be great," Sirius told her knowingly.

"How do you know?" she asked, looking a little more at ease.

"Cause you're great at everything. And you're an amazing writer," he responded, digging into his meal.

"Thanks, Sirius."

Ashley devoted the next week to writing the speech. Exams passed, and everyone was getting excited and planning their futures. Couples were a lot closer these days. Three other couples were engaged and a Ravenclaw girl was pregnant. Finally, at long last, it was June 18th. Students in seventh year and the teachers were led onto the Quidditch pitch. The benches were replaced with nice cushioned chairs. The field now had a stage. Dumbledore had mentioned putting a charm on the stage that magnified the voices of anyone who stood on it. Everything was decorated very nicely.

"Welcome, students. I am truly proud of all of your accomplishments here at Hogwarts. It's been an honour and a privelage to see you all grow over the years into the remarkable people that you are today. I'm sure you will all go far in life. I wish you all success and happiness," said Dumbledore, looking down at the faces of all the pupils. "Please welcome Mr. Troy Yates."

Everybody clapped and listened to Troy's speech. It only lasted for about a minute and a half. He looked very nervous and fidgety. People clapped out of respect, and then Dumbledore welcomed Gretchen Griffith. Gretchen, being a Slytherin, had a very positive and confident attitude. Her speech seemed to drag on though, and the deadly looks that she shot the Gryffindors were more than noticeable. Half of the audience clapped for her speech, and Dumbledore welcomed Cole Tate. Cole was fairly good looking and had a bright, confident smile. He recited his speech and threw in a joke or two, that got a couple of laughs from the audience. Everybody clapped, and then Ashley was welcomed to the stage. She was seriously nervous, but as soon as she walked out from behind the curtain, she forgot her fears, and crumpled up her speech. She decided to speak directly from the heart.

"Congratulations to everybody for making it here. I remember the day we came to Hogwarts, and it's simply incredible the ways that we've all changed. It's amazing how much we've learn and grown over the past seven years. Not only have we learned from our classes and teachers, but we've learned from ourselves and others. We've all learned from our mistakes, and have grown from them. If I had to sum this day up in one word, that word would be bittersweet. I've chosen that word because it's a day that we leave the only thing we've known for the past seven years, and let's face it, that's a scary thought. But on the other hand, this day really proves us to be adults. We'll all go on to be somebody in the world, and achieve things we never knew we could. Things that we had always dreamed about.Hogwarts was a big part of my life, as it was a big part of yours, and I'm going to miss it in a way that words can't describe. This was our home away from home for seven years, and it was a good home. Filled with friends that we'll never forget, and memories to last a lifetime."

There was a large applause and even a couple of Slytherins put their hands together. Ashley left the stage and sat at her seat by Sirius as Lily and James started their speech.

"You were amazing," Sirius told her.

"Thanks. I was so nervous though," Ashley replied with a small smile.

"It didn't show," he replied, and focused his attention on Lily and James. After their speech was over, Dumbledore returned to the centre of the stage. He called the name of each student as they came on the stage to say goodbye and get their diplomas. When graduation was over, Ashley, Lily, Sirius, and James took a walk by the lake.

"Where do we go from here?" Lily asked.

"I don't know," Ashley replied, lost in thought.

"I'm moving out of my parents house," Lily announced suddenly after a long pause.

"Really? Oh, congratulations, Lily! Where are you moving?" Ashley asked her.

"Well remember when I visited over the christmas break?" Lily asked excitedly. They all nodded their heads. "Well, I was in the front yard when I saw a bunch of 'For Sale' signs all over the block. I wrote down the number and called it as soon as I got home. I was speaking to the owner, we worked out a price, and together me and my family pooled the money for the house!"

"Oh my god! You'll be living in Godric's Hollow with us? This is great!" Ashley said, just as excited as Lily.

"Yeah, it is. James? Can I talk to you in private for a minute?" Lily asked anxiously. He nodded, looking confused and followed her.

"Dad wrote me today. He said he'd take us to look at furniture over the weekend. He also said that he was in Diagon Alley and he found available space for my work. He bought it, and said if I didn't like it, he was going to keep it for himself and open another shop or something."

"That's really great. I can't wait to see it," Sirius replied.

"And it's even more perfect because if I like it - And I'm sure I will - that means I pretty much have a job! It'll probably take a week or two to get the office ready. Then all I have to do is hire some workers, and we can devote the rest of the time to the wedding. Who knows, we could be married this year!"

"Really? That's wonderful!" Sirius said excitedly.

Just then, Lily and James rejoined them, grins plastered on their faces.

"What happened to you guys?" Ashley asked them.

"James and I are moving in together!" Lily told them with a large smile.

"Aww, congratulations!" Ashley said.

"Thanks. I can't believe this," James said happily. "It's too perfect."